(PZ) Bolsa Chica Wetlands Celebrates Tidal Reopening With the Return of 'Running is for the Birds' 5K/10K Race

Published 5:45 pm, Friday, October 6, 2006

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Oct. 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The popular "Running is for the Birds" 5K/10K race returns October 7, 2006 to raise money for the Amigos de Bolsa Chica Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, founded to promote preservation, restoration and maintenance of the wetlands, as well as public education about the ecosystem.

The Bolsa Chica Wetlands Ecological Reserve recently enjoyed a reopening of the wetlands to the Pacific Ocean via a tidal inlet in August, marking a successful stage in one of the state's largest environmental restoration projects. The Amigos de Bolsa Chica were one of several local conservation groups who contributed to the project's completion.

"After taking 2005 off to work on the restoration project, we're looking forward to celebrating our recent success with Running is for the Birds," said Alexia Swanepoel, director for the Amigos de Bolsa Chica. "This is a great chance for people who love to be active to come down and see the positive changes at the wetlands. Already, we've noticed more and more fish and bird species in the wetlands area and those numbers are going to continue to increase."

The race course begins in Bolsa Chica State Beach at the beach concession stand on Warner Avenue and runs along the beach front, following the Pacific Coast Highway, making this one of the few true oceanfront race courses in Orange County. The Amigos de Bolsa Chica also offer free guided tours of the wetlands on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Event-day registration lasts from 7:00-8:00 a.m. and costs $30. The 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m., with the 5K race beginning at 8:40 a.m. and the 5K walk beginning at 8:45 a.m. Awards are presented at 10:00 a.m. Strollers will be permitted for the 5K walk only, and no dogs are allowed. For more information, visit www.amigosdebolsachica.org

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